How to Clear DNS Cache in Google Chrome on Windows 10

• The article explains how to clear DNS cache in Google Chrome on Windows 10 using different methods, such as chrome://net-internals, ipconfig /flushdns, and third-party software like CCleaner.
• The article also discusses why clearing DNS cache is important for improving browsing speed, security, and privacy, and how to prevent DNS cache poisoning attacks by using antivirus, VPN, and secure DNS services.

DNS cache is a temporary database that stores the IP addresses of the websites you visit. It helps your browser load web pages faster by avoiding unnecessary DNS queries. However, sometimes the DNS cache may become outdated or corrupted, causing problems such as loading the wrong website, getting network errors, or not being able to access some sites at all. In this article, we will show you how to clear DNS cache in Google Chrome on Windows 10 using different methods, such as chrome://net-internals, ipconfig /flushdns, and more. We will also explain why clearing DNS cache is important and how to prevent DNS cache poisoning attacks.

Method 1: Clear DNS Cache Using chrome://net-internals

One of the easiest ways to clear DNS cache in Google Chrome is to use the built-in chrome://net-internals tool. This tool allows you to view and manage various network-related information and settings in Chrome, including DNS cache. Here are the steps to clear DNS cache using chrome://net-internals:

1. Open Google Chrome and type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar and press Enter. You will see a list of all the IP addresses that the DNS cache has stored.
2. Click on the Clear host cache button at the top right corner of the page. This will delete all the entries in the DNS cache.
3. You can also clear the socket pools by clicking on Sockets in the left menu and then clicking on Close idle sockets and Flush socket pools buttons. This will close and refresh all the connections that Chrome uses to communicate with web servers.

Method 2: Clear DNS Cache Using Command Prompt

Another way to clear DNS cache in Google Chrome is to use the Command Prompt and run a command that flushes the DNS resolver cache. This command will clear the DNS cache for all the browsers and applications that use the Windows DNS resolver, including Google Chrome. Here are the steps to clear DNS cache using Command Prompt:

1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd and press Enter or click OK to open Command Prompt.
2. In Command Prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. You will see a message saying “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”.
3. Close Command Prompt and restart Google Chrome.

Method 3: Clear DNS Cache Using Third-Party Software

If you want to clear DNS cache in Google Chrome more easily and efficiently, you can use third-party software that can do it for you with a few clicks. There are many free and paid software that can clear DNS cache in Google Chrome, such as CCleaner, Wise Care 365, Glary Utilities, etc. Here are the steps to clear DNS cache using CCleaner as an example:

1. Download and install CCleaner from its official website.
2. Launch CCleaner and click on Cleaner in the left menu. Under Windows tab, check Internet Cache under Google Chrome section.
3. Click on Analyze button at the bottom right corner of the window. CCleaner will scan your system for files that can be cleaned, including DNS cache.
4. After the scan is complete, click on Run Cleaner button at the bottom right corner of the window. CCleaner will delete all the selected files, including DNS cache.

Why Clearing DNS Cache is Important

Clearing DNS cache in Google Chrome can help you solve various problems that may affect your browsing experience, such as:

• Loading outdated or incorrect web pages due to changes in IP addresses of websites.
• Getting network errors or timeouts due to unreachable or unresponsive web servers.
• Not being able to access some websites due to blocked or filtered DNS requests.
• Improving your privacy and security by removing traces of your browsing history from your system.

How to Prevent DNS Cache Poisoning Attacks

DNS cache poisoning is a type of cyberattack that manipulates the DNS cache to redirect users to malicious websites instead of legitimate ones. For example, an attacker may inject a fake IP address for www.google.com into your DNS cache, so that when you try to visit Google, you will be taken to a phishing site that looks like Google but tries to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware.

To prevent DNS cache poisoning attacks, you should:

• Use a reputable antivirus software and keep it updated regularly.
• Use a secure VPN service that encrypts your traffic and protects your online identity.
• Use a reliable DNS service that offers security features such as DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) or DoH (DNS over HTTPS).
• Clear your DNS cache frequently using any of the methods mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: How do I check my DNS cache in Google Chrome?

Answer: You can check your DNS cache in Google Chrome by typing chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar and pressing Enter. You will see a list of all the IP addresses that the DNS cache has stored.

Question: How do I change my DNS settings in Google Chrome?

Answer: You cannot change your DNS settings in Google Chrome directly, as Chrome uses the DNS settings of your system. To change your DNS settings, you need to go to your network adapter properties and configure the DNS servers manually or automatically. Alternatively, you can use a browser extension that allows you to change your DNS settings in Chrome, such as DNS Switcher or DNS Jumper.

Question: How do I clear my browser cache in Google Chrome?

Answer: To clear your browser cache in Google Chrome, follow these steps:

1. Click on the three-dot menu icon at the top right corner of Chrome and select Settings.
2. Click on Privacy and security in the left menu and then click on Clear browsing data.
3. Under Basic tab, check Cached images and files and select a time range from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on Clear data button at the bottom right corner of the window.

Summary

In this article, we have learned how to clear DNS cache in Google Chrome on Windows 10 using different methods, such as chrome://net-internals, ipconfig /flushdns, and third-party software. We have also explained why clearing DNS cache is important and how to prevent DNS cache poisoning attacks. We hope this article has helped you improve your browsing experience and security in Google Chrome.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. We are not responsible for any damages or losses that may result from following the instructions or using the software mentioned in this article. Always use caution and common sense when dealing with your system and network settings.